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Donor Communications

When your fundraising goals matter. And when they don’t.

I’ll bet your inbox looked like mine at year-end. Filled with urgent news about fundraising goals. So many emails and letters – from organizations you support and sometimes from those you barely know. But every time I saw an appeal (email or direct mail) based on the organization’s fundraising goals, I wanted to cry. So […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor engagement, emotional fundraising, fundraising goals Leave a Comment

How to create a donor communications calendar

This post has been updated. You can find the most recent version here. How can you create a donor communications calendar? A communications calendar is a combination of messaging and timing. You can create the most amazing appeal letter, but if it’s the only time your donors hear from you this year, you aren’t communicating […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: communications planning, donor communications, donor relationships 10 Comments

I don’t owe you: why I’m not giving back

“I don’t owe you.” That’s what I thought as I opened the envelope. Makes me sound awful, doesn’t it? But let me explain. When you ask people to “give back” by making a gift to your organization, you’re setting up a relationship based on obligation. And transaction. Think carefully about whether that’s really what you […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor relationships, generosity, giving 10 Comments

5 Ways Prospect Research Can Improve Donor Communications

By Bill Tedesco Can prospect research improve your donor communications? Strong donor relationships are built on exquisite communication strategies. Crafting the best donor communication methods is easily done when your organization knows your donors inside and out. Prospect research helps your organization fundraise smarter with insights on your donors’ financial, philanthropic, and general lives. You’ll […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor communications, prospect research 3 Comments

How to reach donors with a personal touch

I’ve said it before. Good fundraising is always one-to-one. That’s true even if you’re communicating with thousands. It should always feel one-to-one. That should always be your aim, even if it takes a little more effort. But when is the last time you really made a personal effort? OK, my major gifts readers… I know […]

Filed Under: Blog, Donor communications Tagged With: donor care, donor relationships, personal fundraising 2 Comments

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